Report: Panthers OT Daryl Williams expected to start season on IR

According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, the team expects offensive tackle Daryl Williams to begin the year on injured reserve, with the hope he can return for the second half of the season.

As the focus has been on the health of the #Panthers O-line this camp, one note: RT Daryl Williams, the standout who chose rehab over surgery on his knee, is expected to land on Injured Reserve to start the season — and the hope is he returns for the second half of 2018.

At training camp last weekend, Williams dislocated his right patella and tore his MCL. Taylor Moton is expected to take Williams’ place in the starting lineup at right tackle.

If he begins the season on IR, Williams would be eligible to return to the active roster for Week 9.

He isn’t the only lineman who’s banged up for the Panthers.

Yesterday, projected starting left guard Amini Silatolu went down with a torn meniscus that will require surgery. There is no timetable as of yet for his return.

Undrafted rookie Brendan Mahon will get Silatolu’s reps with the first-team offensive line on Thursday night against the Bills. However, the most likely candidate to replace him full-time at left guard is Tyler Larsen, who signed a two-year extension today.